Professor John Parkinson

Chair

Professor John A Parkinson has held an academic position at Bangor University since 2004 and was appointed Head of School in October 2013. He completed his BSc in Durham and PhD in Cambridge and is a psychologist and neuroscientist. His research expertise is in the interactions between motivation, cognition and behaviour with a particular focus on positive psychology and the promotion of optimal functioning and resilience. John is a founder of the Wales Centre for Behaviour Change, a joint project of the Wales European Funding Office and Bangor University.

Steve Ray

Vice-Chair

Our non-executive Director Steve Ray provides leadership and mentoring support for the management team. He also provides the main link between the management team and the Board of Directors. Steve is a Director and vice-Chair of the RCS Board, and sits on the finance and employment subgroups. Steve has been involved in community justice since 1974, having worked for the Probation Service in England and Wales from practitioner through to Deputy Chief Officer. The latter position, in North Wales, spanned the period from 1988 through to his retirement in January 2011. Steve is driven by the desire to mobilise the delivery of meaningful services for the disadvantaged and dispossessed in our communities in the endeavour to realise individual potential, transform lives and to make a difference for individuals and communities.

Gareth Matthews

Gareth Matthews has worked in the welfare to work sector for over 40 years. Gareth runs his own company, advising and supporting companies looking to grow in the employment and skills sector. Gareth was previously Director for Welfare Services, Serco (2009 – 2105), responsible for Serco’s growth strategy and overseeing the performance of its welfare services contracts in the UK and overseas. Prior to joining Serco, Gareth was an Executive Director with Working Links (2000-2007), with responsibility for Wales, West Midlands and the South West. Gareth started his career with Jobcentre Plus, holding several senior roles during his 27-year service. As a Director for Rhyl City Strategy, Gareth is helping to regenerate one of Wales’ most deprived communities, developing innovative solutions to the problems of long-term unemployment.

Edith Frodsham

Edith brings over 40 years’ experience to her roles with the RCS Board and Employment Subgroup, having had a number of management roles within Jobcentre Plus. Edith has worked with employers helping with recruitment and redundancy issues, and has assisted jobseeking customers and particularly those with health problems to access and sustain employment. Edith has a long background of partnership working, and has had responsibility for up to 200 staff across North Wales. Edith is a qualified mentor and training officer.

Eirlys Evans MBA

Eirlys Evans brings a wealth of experience in business support and management to her role on the RCS Board, gained both through her previous role as Chief Executive of the Denbighshire Enterprise Agency, for whom she worked for nearly 30 years, as well as through running her own business. Eirlys has a robust understanding of the needs of local businesses, and places a strong value on networking and collaboration as a way to secure the best possible value for money for the client/customer.